China lifts travel ban for people living with HIV

[Guest guest]

*GENEVA/BEIJING, 27 April 2010* –UNAIDS applauds the decision by the

Government of China to lift its national travel ban for people living with HIV.

The news comes ahead of the opening of Shanghai Expo 2010, an international fair

that is expected to attract millions of visitors over the next six months.

“I commend President Hu Jintao for China’s decision to remove travel

restrictions based on HIV status,” said United Nations Secretary-General Ban

Ki-moon. “Punitive policies and practices only hamper the global AIDS response.

I urge all other countries with such restrictions to remove them as a matter of

priority and urgency.”

UNAIDS strongly opposes any laws that restrict movement based on

HIV-positive status only; such restrictions are discriminatory and do not

prevent HIV transmission or protect public health. Further, travel

restrictions have no economic justification, as people living with HIV can lead

long and productive working lives.

“Every individual should have equal access to freedom of movement —

regardless of HIV status,” said Michel Sidibé, UNAIDS Executive Director.

“This is yet another example of China’s leadership in the AIDS response.”

Fifty one countries, territories, and areas currently impose some form of travel

restriction on the entry, stay and residence of people living with HIV based on

their HIV status; five countries deny visas to people living with HIV for even

short-term stays; and 23 countries deport individuals once their HIV-positive

status is discovered.

In January 2010, the United States of America removed its long-standing

HIV-related entry, stay and residence restrictions. Several other countries,

including Namibia and the Ukraine, have recently pledged to take steps to remove

such restrictions.

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http://www.unaids.org/en/KnowledgeCentre/Resources/PressCentre/PressReleases/201\

0/20100427_PS_China_travel_restrictions.asp

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Dr RK Sood

District AIDS Project Officer Kangra

# 402 C ZH Dharamshala,

District Kangra Himachal Pradesh, India

Mobile: +91 9418064077

Telefax: +91 1892- 225559

drrksood@...